SoBro

If you have driven down Washington Street, it is hard not to miss these five buildings, 159-167. They have been sitting vacant for quite some time and are such an eyesore. When searching these properties online, you will find a multitude of statuses. One listing says that it has been sold. City records say the same thing. So why are they still sitting vacant a few years after purchase? These would make great lofts and apartments if all done the right way. Rehabilitation of these buildings is so important as well because many people travel down this street on their way to Washington’s Headquarters. They are also located next to St. George’s Cemetery, which is rich with history.

There are over 700 abandoned or vacant properties in the City of Newburgh. Habitation of these properties is vital to the revitalization of the city.

159-167Washington Street Newburgh NY Google Map

This property at 143 William Street looks like it has gone through a battle. It looks like maybe even a fire might have occurred here. The siding on the 3rd floor is quite strange. Why would that be there? You can see brick behind the siding, so is it covering something up? This is part of the grouping of buildings on William Street between Renwick and Carson that we looked at last week. The same cornice design repeats itself here which I love.

This property was sold back in March 2013. Perhaps this would mean that the new owners will be making improvements? There were none when this photo was taken back in June.

There are over 700 abandoned or vacant properties in the City of Newburgh. Habitation of these properties is vital to the revitalization of the city.

143 William Street Newburgh NY Google Map

Here is a group of buildings that is very sad. I am sure at one time they were beautiful with children playing ball out front and flower boxes and planters dotting the sidewalk. This building at 139 sits boarded up today, covered with paint and graffiti. Although this may seem like your run of the mill building, I love have the cornices make them unique. All of the buildings in this group have the same one. How great would they all look restored and painted in different colors?!

William Street is a real urban street with buildings and storefronts that look just like any other city. It has fallen on very hard times. I hope one day it can flourish as a business district as it once was.

The building is owned by Torina Inc, or Staten Island. I couldn’t find any Torina Inc in Staten Island, but there is one in Brooklyn that is a real estate office, and it is being listed as a closed business. They bought the property for $1 back in 2009.

There are over 700 abandoned or vacant properties in the City of Newburgh. Habitation of these properties is vital to the revitalization of the city.

139 William Street Newburgh NY Google Map

Here is a rescue me that is actually for sale. The building to the left might be a little scary, but this location is only a few yards down from Habitat for Humanity’s headquarters and the East Parmenter Neighborhood. In time I bet the house to the left will be torn down and something else will be built in it’s place.

Ideally, it would be great for a homeowner to move into this property. There are over 700 abandoned or vacant buildings in the City of Newburgh. Habitation of these buildings, especially by homeowners is essential to the revitalization of the city. For inspiration for what this home could look like, click here.

143 Washington St Newburgh NY Google Map